The 14 best electric toothbrushes for adults that scrub teeth clean

If you’re doing it right, you should spend at least 28 minutes a week

brushing your teeth

— using an electric toothbrush helps you make the most of that time. It offers a deeper clean than a

manual toothbrush

since it does the scrubbing for you, and it’s better at breaking up biofilm that can later turn into plaque. I consulted dentists about how to shop for an electric toothbrush and used their guidance to recommend models from brands like

Oral-B

Philips Sonicare

and

Quip

. Many of our electric toothbrush recommendations come from NBC Select staffers who’ve tried them.

SKIP AHEAD

How I picked the best electric toothbrushes

|

The best electric toothbrushes of 2024

|

Why trust NBC Select?

Selected.

Our top picks

Best overall

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

$79.99

$98.05

Amazon

Learn more
Best basic

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

$39.96

$49.96

Amazon

Learn more
Best for sensitive teeth

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

$48.95

$65.99

Amazon

Learn more
Best splurge

Oral B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

$364.00

$399.99

Amazon

Learn more
Best affordable for travel

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

$19.95

$29.95

Amazon

Learn more
Best subscription

Quip Electric Toothbrush

$29.99

$39.99

Amazon

Learn more

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How I picked the best electric toothbrushes

When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, pick one you will use, dentists told us. As long as it gets the job done, is comfortable for you to use twice a day and is paired with

fluoride toothpaste

, any electric toothbrush is a suitable option. Still with so many options on the market, experts recommend thinking about the below to narrow down your options.

American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance

: Oral hygiene products like electric toothbrushes and

kids electric toothbrushes

can earn the

ADA’s Seal of Acceptance

. In order to do so, the ADA evaluates scientific evidence brands submit showing that their models meet specific safety and efficacy criteria. This doesn’t mean electric toothbrushes without the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance are ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their products for the ADA to review.
Timers

: The ADA recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day. Some brushes buzz every 30 seconds to let you know how much time to spend on all four quadrants of your mouth, while others have a two-minute timer to tell you when you can stop brushing.
Pressure sensors

: Pressure sensors act as a safety measure, says Dr. Dmitry Dolgov, a dentist at

The Dentist Lounge

in Santa Monica, California. They alert you when you’re brushing too hard and eliminate the chance that you’ll hurt your gums or tooth enamel. If an electric toothbrush senses that you’re exerting too much pressure while brushing, it may slow down its oscillations or display a red light on its base, which tells you to be gentler.
Brush head replacement indicators

: These indicators remind you when to change your brush head. The indicator is usually a small light that flashes on when it’s time to swap out the brush head — it’s like the oil change light on your car. Other indicators are built into toothbrush heads — bristles will change from one color to another over time, like blue to green, cuing you to swap the head out.
Movement pattern

: Electric toothbrushes either use oscillating (rotating) and pulsating movements, or vibrating movements (also referred to as sonic vibrations). They’re equally effective at cleaning teeth, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, says Dolgov.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity

: Some electric toothbrushes are Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled and pair with a companion app, allowing you to view your brushing habits in real-time. Smart features monitor brushing quality and quantity.
Soft bristles

: Medium or hard bristles can potentially damage your teeth and gums, says Dolgov. Opting for soft bristles is a safer choice, and they effectively clean your teeth while being gentle on your oral tissues.
Battery

: Some electric toothbrushes run on disposable batteries (AA or AAA, for example), so when they die, you can quickly swap them out and get back to brushing. Other models are rechargeable — when they die, you have to plug them in and wait a couple hours while they repower.

The best electric toothbrushes of 2024

Best overall:

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Offers a deep clean
Included travel case
Long battery life

No pressure sensor

Waterpik’s electric toothbrush earned a

NBC Select Wellness Award

because our testers said their teeth felt noticeably cleaner after using it twice a day.

The toothbrush comes with a travel case and docking port that also acts as a charger — a full battery offers up to four weeks of use, according to the brand. Its brush head’s bristle pattern hugs tooth surfaces to deep clean nooks and crannies, plus the green bristles gradually fade to yellow, telling you it’s time for a replacement. New

Waterpik Sensonic Contour Brush Heads

cost about $29 for a pack of three.

Best basic:

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Ergonomic handle
Two intensity levels

Only one cleaning mode

Philips Sonicare and Oral-B are like the Apple and Android of toothbrushes, says Dolgov. Each brand’s models are made with their own distinct technologies and cleaning methods, but he finds them comparable and recommends both.

One charge of this Philips Sonicare model gives you up to two weeks of battery life, according to the brand. It also has a slim, ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable place to grip. The toothbrush comes with one of the brand’s

Optimal Plaque Control brush heads

, replacements of which you can buy in a three pack for about $27.

Best for sensitive teeth:

Oral-B Pro 1000

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

Gentle on teeth
Three cleaning modes

No head replacement indicator

Dr. Lawrence Fung, a dentist at

Silicon Beach Dental

in Southern California, says this rechargeable Oral-B electric toothbrush is an

affordable option that still offers a handful of helpful features, like a pressure sensor and timer.

Mili Godio

, NBC Select updates editor, uses this toothbrush and says it doesn’t irritate her sensitive teeth or gums thanks to its gentle brushing speed. You can pair the toothbrush with multiple different types of replacement brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a

pack of two

Best affordable for travel:

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Included travel case
Included magnetic holder

No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

Aquasonic’s electric toothbrush comes with a travel case, as well as a magnetic holder you can stick to your mirror and attach the brush to when you’re not using it. A full charge gives you up to 30 days of battery life. One head is included with this electric toothbrush — you can purchase

replacement brush heads

in a pack of two for about $10.

Best to splurge on:

Oral-B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Oral B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Round brush head
Comprehensive smart features
Included travel case

Not ADA-approved
Occasional delayed connection
More expensive

Oral-B’s io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush is the most high-end model on our list, and it won a NBC Select Wellness Award. Our testers appreciate its round brush head, giving them a more precise clean, and smart features.

The toothbrush connects to a companion app via Bluetooth and tracks your cleaning in real time, showing you what spots you miss. There’s also a little screen on the toothbrush’s charging base that coaches you as you brush. You get feedback about how much pressure you’re applying, how much brushing time you have left and how much of your mouth you’ve cleaned so far. The toothbrush comes with a travel case and four brush heads — you can purchase multiple types of

replacements

, which cost about $38 for a pack of two.

Best affordable:

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Affordable price
Many replacement brush heads

Batteries required
No pressure sensor
No timer

Before investing in a higher-priced electric toothbrush, try this budget-friendly option to experience what powered models feel like. Its dual-action technology combines side-to-side bristle movements with spinning movements, and the brush head’s bristles fade in color over time to remind you to replace it. You can purchase multiple types of replacement brush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost about $9 for a

pack of two

Best for travel:

Moon Electric Toothbrush

Moon Electric Toothbrush

Included travel case
Ergonomic handle
Long battery life

Not ADA-accepted
No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

Moon’s electric toothbrush, a

NBC Select Wellness Award winner

, comes with a travel case, making it easy to throw into your

toiletry bag

. It’s designed with an ergonomic, non-slip handle that’s comfortable to grip, and its battery lasts up to six weeks on a single charge, according to the brand. Extra soft bristled brush heads are included with your purchase, and when you need to replace them, you can purchase a

two pack

for about $15.

Best subscription:

Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush

Quip Electric Toothbrush

Subscription available
Included travel cover/holder
Gentle on teeth

Batteries required
No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

If you purchase a Quip subscription, you can get brush head refills automatically delivered to your door every three months, which helps remind you when it’s time to replace them. The toothbrush is also available without the subscription — instead, you can buy

replacement brush heads

for $6 each when you need them.

Quip’s Standard Electric Toothbrush is the brand’s most basic model. I’ve used it for months and it’s never made my gums bleed, which is an issue I’ve had with other electric toothbrushes.The vibrations are gentle on my teeth, yet still leave them feeling clean. Quip’s electric toothbrush has a three-month battery life, according to the brand. It also comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror. I have a very small bathroom, so being able to store my toothbrush on my mirror frees up counter space on the sink.

Best smart model:

Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Spinning brush head
Many replacement brush types

No head replacement indicator
One cleaning mode

“I like that this electric toothbrush has a circular spinning brush head so I can just hold it over my teeth instead of moving it side to side,” says

Harry Rabinowitz

, NBC Select reporter.

He also recommends the toothbrush for its suite of features, including what he calls a very noticeable pulse after two minutes, notifying you to stop brushing. You can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a pack of two.

Best affordable smart model:

Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Smart features
Subscription service
Gentle on teeth

No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator
One cleaning mode

Quip’s Bluetooth-enabled electric toothbrush connects to a companion app so you can track your brushing habits. The toothbrush has a slim handle and soft-bristle brush head. One full charge gives you up to three months of battery life, according to the brand, and the toothbrush comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror. You can get replacement brush heads delivered to your door automatically when you opt-in to Quip’s subscription service or purchase them as needed for $6.

Best battery life:

Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Extra long battery life
Smart features
Nine intensity levels

No head replacement indicator

You can connect this electric toothbrush to a companion app via Bluetooth, which shows you what areas of your mouth you cleaned so you never miss a spot. The app also lets you change the brushing intensity and set reminders to

floss

, use

mouthwash

or clean your tongue. The electric toothbrush comes with a travel case and eight replacement brush heads, plus its battery lasts for up to 100 days (about 15 weeks), according to the brand.

Replacement brush heads

come in a pack of four for about $10.

Best for beginners:

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush

Slowly increases power
Travel case included
Three cleaning modes

Not ADA-accepted

When you turn this electric toothbrush on, it slowly increases its power to ease you in, making it a great option for those who are new to powered cleaners.

Lindsay Schneider

, NBC Select editor, says she’s used this eclectic toothbrush for so long that she doesn’t remember a time without it. Her teeth always feel clean after using it and she appreciates its long battery life — a full charge delivers up to two weeks of power, according to the brand. The toothbrush comes with a travel case and one

Optimal Gum care brush head

. You can purchase a two pack of replacement brush heads for about $28.

Best model with silicone bristles:

Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Soft bristles
Sleek design

More expensive

NBC Select social media editor Sadhana Daruvuri is a fan of

Foreo’s electric toothbrush

, whose head is made out of medical-grade silicone and feels gentle on her teeth.

The brush head also has silicone ridges on its back, which acts as a tongue and cheek cleaner. “My whole mouth feels extra clean after brushing,” Daruvuri says. One full charge gives you a year’s worth of battery power, according to the brand, and since you don’t have to keep the toothbrush in the charger between uses, it takes up very little space in Daruvuri’s bathroom. You can purchase

replacement brush heads

for about $27 as needed.

Best sustainable:

Suri Sonic Toothbrush

Suri Sonic Toothbrush

Recyclable brush heads
Included mirror mount
Repairs available

Not ADA-approved
No pressure sensor
No head replacement indicator

Suri’s electric toothbrush heads, which have built-in

tongue scrapers

, are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch and castor oil, and they’re recyclable. Each brush comes with a prepaid compostable bag that you fill up with three or four heads and mail to the brand, which

recycles them

. The toothbrush has an aluminum body that’s repairable — if it breaks, the brand will fix it so you don’t have to purchase a new one. A full charge offers 40 days of battery life. The toothbrush comes with a magnetic mirror mount and you can purchase a pack of three

replacement brush heads

for about $19.

Suri also sells its electric toothbrush with a

UV-cleaning case

for an additional fee. “I’ve heard that leaving your toothbrush on the counter causes it to collect germs, but I worry about putting a wet toothbrush in a case since it might collect mold,” says Rosalie Sparaco, Select senior social media editor. “This cleaning case addresses both of those concerns.” Sparaco also appreciates that the case charges the toothbrush, like how an AirPods case charges the earbuds.

Frequently asked questions

Generally speaking, yes, electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes due to their efficiency and user-friendliness, says Dolgov. Using a manual toothbrush requires precise technique and you have to pay close attention while using it to ensure you don’t miss areas of your month. Electric toothbrushes, however, do all the work for you and many are designed with technology to guide your brushing. “Think of it as washing your car with a bucket, sponge and towel versus using a power washer,” says Dolgov. “Both methods will get the job done, but the power washer is undeniably quicker and more efficient.”

Thanks to its spinning head or sonic vibrations, an electric toothbrush is better at removing bacteria from teeth compared to a manual toothbrush, says Fung. These movements create microbubbles that gently remove bacteria biofilm, which can cause bad breath, staining, gum disease and bleeding gums, experts say. An electric toothbrush can also help tackle gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.

Anyone can use an electric toothbrush, experts say, but if you’re unsure about trying one, talk to your dentist. Experts specifically recommend electric toothbrushes for patients with periodontal disease, bacterial plaque or a history of dental decay. They require significantly less effort than manual toothbrushes and are more efficient at breaking up biofilm. Electric toothbrushes are also particularly useful for those with dexterity limitations, like the elderly, people with specific disabilities and children, according to the ADA.

Those with sensitive gums or gums that frequently bleed may prefer a manual toothbrush, says Dolgov. But sensitive or bleeding gums often means there’s underlying inflammation or an infection that needs to be addressed, so be sure to visit your dentist, he says. Once the issue is resolved, you can try slowly transitioning to an electric toothbrush. If you simply find the vibrating sensation of electric toothbrushes uncomfortable, Dolgov suggests using one on a low, gentle setting before giving up on it entirely.

Yes, electric toothbrushes can damage your teeth, but so can manual toothbrushes and other dental hygiene products you use incorrectly. That’s why it’s so important to practice proper brushing technique, regardless of what toothbrush you use.

Clean teeth gently and take your time, experts say. The tissues surrounding the teeth are fragile, so over-brushing can lead to micro-abrasions or tears. And if you over-brush on the enamel layer of your teeth, you may cause the enamel to abrade, leaving little notches on your teeth at the gum line, experts told us.

In the case of electric toothbrushes, remember that they’re designed to do the scrubbing for you, so let them. Some more advanced models are also designed with technology that helps prevent you from over-brushing, like pressure sensors. Overall, however, if you’re concerned about improper brushing, talk to your dental hygienist about proper technique. They can walk you through how to brush at their office so you can avoid confusion at home.

The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush head every three to four months to prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles. However, depending on your brushing habits, you may need to swap out your toothbrush head sooner. “As a rule of thumb, you can continue using a toothbrush head as long as the bristles are not visibly frayed, flared or damaged,” says Dolgov. “Once you notice such signs of wear, it’s time to replace the head, even if it’s before the three to four month mark.”

No. According to the

FSA Store

, electric toothbrushes (and manual toothbrushes) are not eligible for reimbursement with

flexible spending accounts

(FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they’re considered general health products.

“It honestly does not matter whether you brush your teeth before or after breakfast,” says Fung. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. Here’s what you should do in both situations.

Brushing before breakfast

: After brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste or rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash, the ADA recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking to ensure the fluoride stays on your teeth. That means you can brush your teeth first thing in the morning to remove bacterial biofilm that accumulates overnight, but you’ll have to wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first bite of breakfast or your first sip of coffee.
Brushing after breakfast

: The ADA

recommends

waiting an hour before you brush after eating acidic foods to give your saliva a chance to naturally wash away acids and re-harden your enamel, preventing potential damage. So you can brush your teeth after breakfast, but you’ll have to wait an hour before you do so, which may be inconvenient if you need to run out the door.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Dr. Lawrence Fung

practices dentistry at

Silicon Beach Dental

in Southern California. He is also the current team dentist for University of Southern California Athletics.
Dr. Dmitry Dolgov

practices dentistry at

The Dentist Lounge

in Santa Monica, California.

Why trust NBC Select?

I’m a

reporter at NBC Select

who has written about dental hygiene products since 2020. I’ve published guides about toothpaste,

kids toothpaste

floss

water flossers

teeth whitening products

and more. For this piece, I interviewed two dentists, researched dozens of electric toothbrushes, familiarized myself with the ADA’s guidelines and tried a few electric toothbrushes.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of

personal finance

,

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,

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and more, and follow us on

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Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!

The 14 best electric toothbrushes for adults that scrub teeth clean

Selected.

Our top picks

Related

How I picked the best electric toothbrushes

The best electric toothbrushes of 2024

Best overall:

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Best basic:

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Best for sensitive teeth:

Oral-B Pro 1000

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable for travel:

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Best to splurge on:

Oral-B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Oral B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable:

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Best for travel:

Moon Electric Toothbrush

Moon Electric Toothbrush

Best subscription:

Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush

Quip Electric Toothbrush

Best smart model:

Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable smart model:

Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best battery life:

Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Best for beginners:

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush

Best model with silicone bristles:

Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best sustainable:

Suri Sonic Toothbrush

Suri Sonic Toothbrush

Related

Frequently asked questions

Meet our experts

Why trust NBC Select?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Selected. Our top picks

Related

select Yes, your toothpaste needs fluoride — here’s why

How I picked the best electric toothbrushes

The best electric toothbrushes of 2024

Best overall: Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Best basic: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Best for sensitive teeth: Oral-B Pro 1000

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable for travel: Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Best to splurge on: Oral-B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Oral B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable: Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Best for travel: Moon Electric Toothbrush

Moon Electric Toothbrush

Best subscription: Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush

Quip Electric Toothbrush

Best smart model: Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable smart model: Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best battery life: Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Best for beginners: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush

Best model with silicone bristles: Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best sustainable: Suri Sonic Toothbrush

Suri Sonic Toothbrush

Related

select Does at-home teeth whitening really work? Experts explain.

Frequently asked questions

Meet our experts

Why trust NBC Select?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Selected.

Our top picks

select

Yes, your toothpaste needs fluoride — here’s why

Best overall:

Waterpik Sensonic Electric Toothbrush

Best basic:

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Best for sensitive teeth:

Oral-B Pro 1000

Best affordable for travel:

Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush

Best to splurge on:

Oral-B io Series 10 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable:

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean

Best for travel:

Moon Electric Toothbrush

Best subscription:

Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush

Best smart model:

Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush

Best affordable smart model:

Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best battery life:

Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Best for beginners:

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush

Best model with silicone bristles:

Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best sustainable:

Suri Sonic Toothbrush

select

Does at-home teeth whitening really work? Experts explain.